Burg Lichtenfels

Burg Lichtenfels is a ruined medieval castle near Leinstetten in the Rottweil district of Baden-Württemberg. It stands on a hill about 500 metres above the Glatt valley, between the Dornhan districts of Leinstetten and Bettenhausen. The castle dates from the 12th century and was likely founded by the Counts of Hohenberg. The Lords of Lichtenfels shared their coat of arms with the Lords of Dettingen. The castle was first destroyed in 1298 during the Battle of Leinstetten. The castle passed partly to the Counts of Zollern in 1423. In the 15th century Countess Henriette of Württemberg besieged the castle and captured Count Friedrich of Zollern. After this destruction the castle was not rebuilt and was abandoned in favour of Schloss Leinstetten. The ruins remained in private hands until the late 20th century, when the Freiherrn von Podewils carried out a thorough restoration. Today the ruins show the full height of the shield wall and part of the south wall. The former moat can still be seen around the base of the hill. The site is open to visitors and offers views over the surrounding valley. The remains include sections of the curtain wall and traces of the former living quarters. The hilltop setting provides a quiet spot to explore the history of the region.